What should I do if my old radiator doesn’t heat up? Comprehensive troubleshooting and resolution guide
As winter approaches, old radiators not getting hot become a common problem in many homes. This article will combine the hot discussions on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a structured solution, covering cause analysis, operation steps and precautions.
1. Statistics on recent heating issues (last 10 days)

| Popular questions | Discuss the popularity index | Main areas of occurrence |
|---|---|---|
| The radiator is half hot on top and cool on the bottom | 85% | Northern central heating zone |
| The radiator is completely cold | 72% | Old community |
| Abnormal noise/water leakage from radiator | 63% | Residential buildings more than ten years old |
2. Common causes and solutions
| Problem phenomenon | Possible reasons | Solution steps |
|---|---|---|
| Overall not hot | 1. The main valve is not opened 2. Pipe blockage 3. Lack of pressure | 1. Check the entrance valve 2. Contact the property management company to flush the pipes 3. Check the system pressure (standard 1.5-2Bar) |
| Not hot locally | 1. Air blockage 2. Scale deposition 3. Installation tilt | 1. Exhaust operation (see Part 4) 2. Professional chemical cleaning 3. Adjust the slope of the support |
| intermittent fever | 1. Temperature control valve failure 2. Thermostat malfunctions | 1. Replace the valve core (cost about 20-50 yuan) 2. Reset or replace thermostat |
3. Step-by-step exhaust operation guide
For the most common "air blockage" problem, please follow the steps below:
1.Preparation tools: Flat-blade screwdriver, water container, dry towel
2.Operation process:
① Close the return water valve
② Find the air release valve on the top of the radiator (usually a copper knob)
③ Rotate 45 degrees counterclockwise until you hear the exhaust sound
④ Close immediately after stable water discharge
3.Things to note:
• It is recommended to operate in the morning (system water pressure is more stable)
• A single exhaust period shall not exceed 15 seconds
• Exhaust air at least 2-3 times a year during the heating season
4. Maintenance points for radiators made of different materials
| Material type | optimal water temperature | cleaning cycle | Special considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| cast iron radiator | 70-75℃ | 3-5 years | Avoid sudden cooling and heating |
| Steel panel | 60-65℃ | 2-3 years | Must be filled with water for maintenance |
| Copper aluminum composite | 55-80℃ | 5-8 years | Pay attention to electrochemical corrosion |
5. Emergency handling
If you encounter the following situations, please close the valve immediately and contact a professional:
• Continuous spraying of water at the interface
• Bulges or cracks appear on the surface of the radiator
• There is an obvious smell of gas in the room (for self-heating users)
6. Preventive maintenance suggestions
1. Keep the system full of water during non-heating seasons
2. Check valve flexibility monthly
3. Install a pre-filter (can reduce the entry of impurities by 60%)
4. Consider installing an intelligent temperature control system (energy saving 15-20%)
Through system troubleshooting and maintenance, most problems with older radiators can be effectively resolved. If self-treatment fails, it is recommended to contact the local heating company or professional maintenance personnel to ensure safe and stable heating in winter.
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